Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology and Chairman of the National Committee for Artificial Intelligence, Demetris Skourides, held a series of strategic meetings in Singapore as part of Cyprus’ inaugural participation in the GITEX Asia 2025 exhibition.

According to a press release from the Chief Scientist’s office, Cyprus participated in the international exhibition held in Singapore from 23 to 25 April 2025. The event marked a "strategic milestone" in efforts to build bridges between Europe and Asia, while reinforcing Cyprus’ role as a hub for innovation, research, and technology.

During the visit, Chief Scientist Skourides, accompanied by Nikos Panayiotou, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Indonesia, engaged with Temasek—the national body responsible for research, technological development, and innovation in Singapore. They also held meetings with startups, service providers, and investment funds, actively promoting Cyprus as a gateway to the EU market.

Several meetings led to expressions of interest from Indonesian companies specializing in system integration and artificial intelligence, with a view to exploring investment opportunities in Cyprus.

In addition, Skourides reached an agreement with South Korea’s UNIMOTTO to explore Cyprus’ potential participation in the world’s largest Global Startup Festival in South Korea in 2025.

“Building on the recent visit to Silicon Valley—the world’s largest technology hub—under the leadership of President Nikos Christodoulides, the opportunity to establish ties with two of the world’s most technologically advanced nations, South Korea (ranked 3rd) and Singapore (ranked 5th), will accelerate the commercialization of Cyprus-based startups and attract Asian investment,” the press release stated.

The participation of Cyprus in GITEX Asia 2025 is reiterated in the announcement as a pivotal moment in building EU-Asia innovation connections and enhancing the island’s visibility as a center for technological development.

The mission, led by the Chief Scientist and the Ambassador, also laid the groundwork for future cooperation with key regional players, including state funds, startups, and leaders in sectors such as shipping and climate technology.

These efforts align with Cyprus' Vision 2035 strategy, aiming to attract investments, strengthen international partnerships, and develop the local startup ecosystem—ultimately establishing Cyprus as a significant player on the global innovation map, the announcement concludes.